On a winter afternoon, Rahul Alvares, Anne Ketteringham and I did a boat trip in sunny Goa through the backwaters of the River Mandovi. Amidst the narrow canals and mangroves that are rich in bird life, the motor gave way.
The lightweight paddles helped us maneuver the boat through the canals and down the main stream. And the sausages nourished us through the long journey back. We escaped by the skin of our teeth!
Now that’s not what actually happened. In fact, the motor didn’t work too well right from the onset. And its health deteriorated further along our journey. Whilst it lacked the power to force us through, it never gave way completely. Our motorman managed to steer us back to Casa Britona – a fantastic boutique hotel along the banks of the Mandovi.
A view of the mangroves along R. Mandovi seen from the upper deck of Casa Britona. Shot with a Canon 50D camera and a Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 lens.
Rahul drove us back to Assagao from Britona.
“I’ll be right back”, Rahul hopped out of the driver’s seat. He was back in a minute. “Here – keep this sac at the back next to you.”
“What’s in it?”
“Snakes!”
Rahul has hands-on experience in handling snakes. He is famous.
Anne Ketteringham got a picture of me whilst I was loading film into my Yashica Mat using her Pentax camera and Sigma lens.
FIN
0 
60 
258
I love the title Of Snakes and Sausages. I want to hear more about how you handled the snakes!
One snake was inside a plastic bottle having small holes. It had three or four eggs in it as well. The other one was in a jute sac. Rahul would have released them into the wild a few days hence. He’s the expert.
Thanks, Pamela.
looks like he’s concentrating on a motor that won’t start lol great shot!!!
Thanks, Elaine.
Snakes!! Were they poisonous?
Some experience
Loved the pictures … I was hoping you caught some Kingfishers too – on your camera I mean
Yes, they were poisonous.
I have pictures of the Kingfishers and other birds. I’ll be publishing an e-book soon. It’ll have pictures of 99 species of birds that I have photographed.
Very interesting, looks like a great place to visit one day. Your friend Rahul has a good website too
Thanks, nursemyra.
Yes, Goa is beautiful.
Lovely photos and write up!
Thanks, Rahul.
And thanks for the trip.
Too bad Nurse Myra would not have been around to heal your potential snake bite wounds. She is downunder in Oz where I too reside in this great nation of ours, home to about seven of the world’s ten most venemous snakes.
I was in Goa last year and I wish to go(a) again soon …
Goa is fantastic. Hope you make it back there.
I was thinking someone mistook a snake for a sausage and one got eaten.
lol. that wouldn’t be pleasant, certainly.
Your pictures are all stunning, each containing a story ready to be told. How funny that you stopped in and saw my lame (though lovely!) little bird. So, is your bird book going to be in black and white? I bet it will be fabulous!
I took to birding as recently as November last. No that’s not in black and white. In fact, I’m using a mirror lens.
Thanks, LeAnn.
I love how you shared the photos with a brilliant write up!
You be careful on those adventures you take! 
Have a great week exploring.
Thanks, Luisa.
Gorgeous photos! But, a BAG OF SNAKES? You wouldn’t find me on a boat with a bag of snakes for anything in the world, LOL.
Thanks, Mrs. D.
Once you are safe – thats what really that matters.
I guess.
I am looking forward to the bird book as well! I love your photography!
I would love to be able to travel to places like this someday. Maybe once I become independently wealthy.
Thanks, Nicole. I’ll keep you updated about the bird book as well.
Cool shots and an interesting story, thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Fundamental Jelly.
Wonderful photos and story.. despite the element of danger. Thanks for stopping by my blog today. I’m quite glad that I’ve found yours in return.
Thanks You, Hilary.
Oh My Gosh..that was quiet difficult situation..
*but I enjoyed thoroughly baba*
Nice photos. Seems you must have enjoyed your trip…
Thanks, kapil. It was a nice trip.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment on my blog today. When I know other people are out there cheering me on, I feel like I can really start doing some of those things (as trivial as some of them are!)
Your photography is beautiful, in style and subject. The latest, with Snakes and Sausages…great writing! I’m intrigued and can’t wait to follow for more.
Thanks, Evelyn.
Super pics. Pity none of my relations feature in any of em’, though!
And who would they be?
Thanks, circus monkey.
Gorgeous! I am kind of into snakes. Must be the ‘original sin’ appeal of them.
BTW, I am totally with you on the vegetarian thing.
lol. thanks, Wicked Shawn.
Your photographs turned out really well. I love the reflections in the still waters and the one showing the blurred foliage in the foreground. It reminds me of when we drifted into the bushes and trees when the motor failed as it constantly seemed to. A great trip and adventure but I did have some concerns as to whether we would get safely back to the mainland without paddling at one stage. Great photos and a well told story. Spot on!
Thanks, Anne. I enjoyed the trip.
You have a beautiful blog and what lovely pictures!
Thanks, Dew.
I’ll take sausages over snakes anyday!
The photos are gorgeous.
Thanks, A Vapid Blonde
Some beautiful photos in here.
Thanks, Cityhippyfarmgirl.
Nice posting. Nice trip too. But…., I hate snake.
lol. Thanks, ellysuryani.
Human power is always the deciding factor in survival. The scenery is very nice to look at.
Secretia
Thanks, Secretia.
I enjoyed going along for the adventure. Your pictures and commentary took me to a place I’ve never visited in person and embued the trip with the feel of reality. Thanks!
KB
Thanks, KB.
[...] Rahul Alvares had told me about Succor Plateau. Whilst this is an birdwatching location, it ain’t the best for photography as most of the birds are high up on tall trees and swift movers. If one has decent gear, like the Canon 400mm f/2.8, and a lot of patience and uses a tripod at all times, one can end up with great photos. Not so with the Mirror Lens: [...]